The Believers Share Their Possessions

³² All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.^{(A) 33} With great power the apostles continued to testify^(B) to the resurrection^(C) of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace^(D) was so powerfully at work in them all ³⁴ that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them,^(E) brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet,^(F) and it was distributed to anyone who had need.^(G)

³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas^(H) (which means “son of encouragement”), ³⁷ sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.^(I)

²⁶ When he came to Jerusalem,^(A) he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas^(B) took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him,^(C) and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus.^(D)

²³ When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done,^(A) he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.^{(B) 24} He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit^(C) and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.^(D)

²⁵ Then Barnabas went to Tarsus^(E) to look for Saul, ²⁶ and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples^(F) were called Christians first^(G) at Antioch.

²⁷ During this time some prophets^(H) came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ One of them, named Agabus,^(I) stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world.^(J) (This happened during the reign of Claudius.)^{(K) 29} The disciples,^(L) as each one was able, decided to provide help^(M) for the brothers and sisters^(N) living in Judea. ³⁰ This they did, sending their gift to the elders^(O) by Barnabas^(P) and Saul.^(Q)

Barnabas and Saul Sent Off

²⁵ When Barnabas^(A) and Saul had finished their mission,^(B) they returned from^[a] Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.^(C)